Causes of Heat Rash

Hot Weather. Hot, humid weather can cause the sweat glands to be overworked.

Ointment. Babies can also get it in the wintertime from ointments put on the skin. Reason: Ointments can block off sweat glands.

Location. Heat rash of the forehead can be caused by oil or ointment on the hair. Heat rash of the face of a breastfed baby can be caused by lanolin put on the nipples. Heat rash of the chest can be caused by menthol ointments put on for coughs.

Exercise. Older children can get heat rash with hard exercise.

When to Call for Heat Rash

When to Call for Heat Rash

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

Fever and looks infected (spreading redness or pus)

Your child looks or acts very sick

You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Call Doctor Within 24 Hours

Looks infected (spreading redness, pus), but no fever

You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Call Doctor During Office Hours

Rash is not gone after 3 days of treatment

You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

Heat rash

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

Fever and looks infected (spreading redness or pus)

Your child looks or acts very sick

You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Call Doctor Within 24 Hours

Looks infected (spreading redness, pus), but no fever

You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Call Doctor During Office Hours

Rash is not gone after 3 days of treatment

You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

Heat rash

Care Advice for Heat Rash

What You Should Know About Heat Rash:

Heat rash is caused by blocked-off sweat glands.

It's common in hot, humid weather.

Here is some care advice that should help.

Cooling the Skin:

Cool off the skin to treat and prevent heat rash.

For large rashes, give your child a cool bath without soap. Do this for 10 minutes. (Caution: Avoid any chill.) Let the skin air-dry. Do this 3 or more times a day.

For small rashes, put a cool, wet washcloth on the area. Do this for 5 to 10 minutes. Then let the skin air-dry.

Dress in as few layers of clothing as you can.

Lower the temperature in your home if you can.

Sleeping Cooler:

When your child is asleep, run a fan in the bedroom.

During sleep, have your child lie on a cotton towel to absorb sweat. (Note: Only for older children age over 1 year.)

Steroid Cream for Itching:

Use 1% hydrocortisone cream (such as Cortaid). No prescription is needed.

Put it on itchy spots 3 times per day.

Avoid hydrocortisone ointment.

Calamine lotion can also work.

Do Not Use Ointments:

Avoid all ointments or oils on the skin. Reason: They can block off sweat glands.

Be sure the rash isn't caused by a menthol ointment being used for a cough.

What to Expect:

With treatment, heat rash will clear up in 2 to 3 days.

Call Your Doctor If:

Rash lasts more than 3 days on this treatment

Rash starts to look infected

You think your child needs to be seen

Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.